What are Miyawaki forests

Miyawaki forests, or pocket forests, are the brain child of Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki. The methodology was further refined by engineer turned forest maker Shubhendu Sharma from Afforestt. Pocket forests, also known as tiny forests, are densely planted (3-5 plants per m2) in soil that has undergone intensive remediation. 

The plants that comprise Miyawaki forests are endemic species identified through a botanic survey of local remnant forest/bushland area. As such, the botanical survey provides information enabling the Miyawaki forest to be composed of plant species that would have been growing on the selected pocket forest site prior to the land being cleared. Plants will also be in the appropriate composition to reflect the natural system.

An important part of the Miyawaki method involves intensive soil remediation. Soil remediation is required as soils in urban areas are often contaminated, contain limited microbial activity and can be heavily compacted. Soil remediation occurs to a depth of up to 1 m and includes addition of organic materials and compost tea to add nutrients, bringing life back into the soils and loosening compacted soil. This creates ideal conditions for plant growth and will promote strong biodiverse pocket forests. The amount of organic material that is added to the soil is tailored to the site soil type and nutrient content. Soil type is determined by soil testing at the proposed site. 

Planting Miyawaki forests requires a specific planting technique. The technique ensures there is a loose pocket of soil beneath the plant root system enabling the plant roots to penetrate the soil with ease.